Thousands of canines and their owners will gather in Orlando this weekend as North America’s largest dog show returns with tests of agility, obedience, rally, dock diving and conformation to breed standards.
The AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, welcoming dogs from all 50 states and around the world to the Orange County Convention Center on Dec. 13 and 14.
Breed-specific judging and group shows will determine which of 5,557 competition dogs emerges as America’s national champion. The Best in Show competition wraps up the massive event on the final night, determining the winner of a $50,000 prize.
Along with other events — including the AKC/Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes, the AKC Agility Invitational, the AKC Obedience Classic, the AKC National Owner-Handled Series Finals, the AKC RACH Invitational and the junior events — the overall show totals 9,162 entries. Almost all events are open to public spectators.
Willis takes a leap through the agility course while competing in the Junior Agility Division at the AKC National Championship at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando on Friday, Dec. 13, 2024. (Rich Pope, Orlando Sentinel)
“Essentially, this is like the Super Bowl of dog shows. There’s a lot to see and a lot to do,” said Brandi Hunter Munden, spokeswoman for AKC. “This is crowning America’s champion. This is a culmination of a year of hard work for the dogs and the owners, and we’re very proud of what we produce. AKC has a long tradition and a long legacy.”
The convention center will fill to the brim with 39 rings (and 45 judges from as far as Germany), plus the agility area and dock-diving pool. On Saturday the sporting, hound, toy and nonsporting breeds will be judged, while Sunday’s competition includes the working, terrier and herding breeds.
The largest categories by entry include 149 golden retrievers, 143 dachshunds, 110 French bulldogs, 106 Chihuahuas, 105 Australian shepherds, 100 Labrador retrievers, 82 whippets, 65 Rhodesian ridgebacks, 60 Pomeranians, 58 Chinese cresteds and 57 pugs.
Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel
Pugs are lined up in the ring during the AKC National Championship at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando on Friday, Dec. 17, 2021. (Patrick Connolly/Orlando Sentinel)
The AKC National Championship began in 2001 as the AKC American Dog Classic — focused solely on conformation with around 2,000 entries competing at the invitation-only show. The following year, the event expanded to include the Breeder of the Year award and in 2003 the best Bred-by-Exhibitor competition was added.
The first shows took place in Long Beach, California, and Tampa before moving to Orlando in 2011. In 2013, AKC added the National Owner-Handled Series Finals and later expanded the event to include obedience, agility and dock-diving competitions.
The 2025 show features the second year of the AKC RACH (Rally Champion) Invitational, an event that involves handlers navigating their dogs through a course with a series of skill tests.
In 2001, AKC’s first national champion was the bichon frise “J.R.” (Courtesy of American Kennel Club)
Munden said the event presents a unique opportunity for owners and dogs to spend time together and bond. Even though there’s plenty of competition, the show provides a chance for dog lovers to connect with one another.
“A lot of dogs I call the multi-sport athletes. They really enjoy being able to go and dive and then get a blowout and go in the show ring, it’s like a release for them,” she said. “Dogs bring us so much joy, not just by being our best friends, but also by doing some pretty amazing things that they actually enjoy doing. I always say these dogs have the coolest hobbies.”
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If you go
The AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin is Dec. 13-14 at the Orange County Convention Center, 9899 International Drive in Orlando. The events are free for public spectators. Parking costs $10. Coverage will be available on AKC.tv. ABC will broadcast a three-hour special from the Best in Show competition on Dec. 28 from noon-3 p.m. EST. For more information and schedules, go to akc.org.